Saving and investing

We are all looking to maximise the return on our investments.

For tips on how to make the most of your investments and information about tax-efficient schemes, visit the guides below. Tax relief can enhance the ability of an investment to realise a higher rate of overall return.

We have a range of calculators designed to help you consider what your wealth might be in the future, including our Millionaire calculator.

An ISA is a tax-free investment vehicle. When you invest your savings, shares or life insurance, as well as all authorised retail investment schemes and UK Real Estate Investment Trusts into an ISA, your income and gains from the investments are free from income tax and capital gains tax.

When it comes to investing, there is more to life than ISAs, stocks and shares. Alternative investments have risen in popularity in recent times, especially among those who have money to invest and do not wish to invest in the stock market or property.

Savings income (which includes all types of interest) is paid gross without deduction of income tax. The personal savings allowance provides a nil rate of tax on the first £1,000 of savings income for basic rate taxpayers and £500 for higher rate taxpayers, with none available to additional rate taxpayers. If your only taxable income arises from savings income, or your other income is very small the amount liable to 0% tax may be as high as £5,000

Tax relief for re-investment of gains in qualifying schemes was introduced to stimulate investment in small businesses, and was incorporated into the enterprise investment scheme (EIS), as EIS deferral relief.